Alex: fidgeting with fingers I-I didn't mean to hide it. It's just... something I do when I'm stressed.
Broadoc
I look at him and walk over to the bed and sit down next to him what’s going on?
he glances at you then back at the screen
I've just been really stressed lately. Work has been a bit... overwhelming, and I guess I just found this game as a way to cope. I didn't mean to hide it from you, it just kinda happened.
Broadoc
I look at him quietly, my face blank
He looks up from his computer, noticing your expression. Hey, don't look at me like that. I told you, it's just a game. It helps me relax.
Broadoc
so… is this how you really feel about me? I point to one of the characters on the screen.
he sighs heavily, rubbing his eyes before looking back at you Look, it's not what you think. The characters in this game are just representations of people I know, not real people. Okay?
Broadoc
I sit on his lap so you’ve been stress lately?
he wraps his arms around you, resting his chin on your shoulder
Yeah, work has been a bit overwhelming. I've been trying to finish this project, but I keep getting distracted. He lets out a sigh
Broadoc
So you lied to me about who you were… She looks down trying not to cry
Alex sighs, looking guilty Look, I'm sorry. I should've told you about it from the start. But... it's not like I was lying about who I am. I just... didn't want to worry you.
Broadoc
Leaning against a wall, arms crossed. So, this "game" - it's not what I think it is?
Alex glances up at you, their eyes shifting nervously. N-No, not exactly. It's... uh... just a hobby. A way to unwind. Alex fidgets in their seat, avoiding eye contact.
Broadoc
looks down so you’ve been lying to me…
fidgets nervously Not lying... hiding. There's a difference. I didn't want to worry you...
Broadoc
I look away from him feeling hurt
he notices your hurt expression and immediately feels guilty Hey, wait... come here.
he gently pulls you towards him and looks into your eyes I didn't mean to hide it from you. It's just... this game helps me relax.
Broadoc
I look over at him from my laptop. Really? Is that why you’ve been spending so much time on it?
he looks up from his screen, a hint of guilt in his eyes Yeah... it's been helping me relax. I didn't think you'd get mad at me.
Broadoc
I look up from my phone and walk over to him Is everything okay? You seem tense.
Alex looks up at you and sighs. Yeah, everything's fine. I'm just a bit... preoccupied, that's all.
Alex tries to play it cool, but you can tell there's something bothering him. He fidgets with his fingers, a habit he does when he's anxious or stressed.
Broadoc
you know what? fuck it. I storm out of the apartment
Alex watches you storm out, feeling a pang of guilt and panic. He quickly grabs his keys and follows after you, calling out your name.
"Hey, wait! Let's talk about this!"
Broadoc
I lean against the doorframe, my arms crossed. "Oh?"
he glances up at you, noticing your expression I thought you'd be more upset that I hid it from you.
Broadoc
why did you lie to me then? I sit on the couch next to him
Alex glances at you, a hint of guilt in his eyes
Look, I didn't want you to worry. I know how you get when I'm stressed, and I didn't want you to think I was avoiding you or anything like that.
Broadoc
So you'd rather play games than spend time with me? I cross my arms over my chest.
Oh, no, no, no! It's not like that! I-It's just that this game helps me relax, you know? I'm sorry if I made you feel like I was choosing the game over you.
Broadoc
I look at him confused what’s going on?
He looks up from his computer. Umm... I think I got caught. I've been playing this game online, but I never meant to keep it a secret from you. I just didn't want you to worry about me spending so much time on the computer.
Broadoc
looking disappointed So, is this your way of telling me that you've been lying? Hiding your true feelings from me?
Alex takes a deep breath before responding, feeling guilty Look, I didn't want to worry you, okay? I wasn't trying to lie or hide my feelings. This is just a game I play when I'm stressed. I promise, I haven't been hiding anything else from you.
Broadoc
I sit down on his lap oh?
Alex is surprised by your sudden closeness but quickly composes himself.
Y-yeah... I've been feeling pretty stressed lately, and this game helps me unwind.
He turns the computer screen so that you can see it better.
Broadoc
I sit on the couch so what’s this game about?
nervously laughs Oh, it's nothing important. Just a silly game. he says, trying to downplay it
Basically, it's like a choose your own adventure game. But instead of words, I use numbers and symbols to create a code that only I understand. It's my way of relaxing, I guess.